Lolit Solis dies at 78
Veteran showbiz columnist Lolit Solis has died. She was 78.
Her close friend, entertainment editor Salve Asis confirmed her death in an Instagram post, saying that she passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 3.
"Manay Lolit leaves behind a loving family and many friends who will always cherish her memory. We remember Manay Lolit as a feisty and staunch loyal supporter, manager, and friend," her post read. "We love you, our dearest Manay, and you will forever be in our hearts."
Actor Niño Muhlach also posted about her passing on Facebook. "Paalam Nanay Lolit Solis," he wrote.
The cause of her death was not disclosed.
Solis was born on May 20, 1947. According to a December 2011 report from The Philippine STAR, Solis grew up in an informal settlers' area in Lardizabal in Sampaloc, Manila.
She had a mass communication degree from the University of the Philippines, where she became classmates with comedian Joey De Leon.
She began her career as a movie reporter in the '70s, submitting to komiks outlets yarns on the movie beat.
Later on, Solis became a talent manager, handling high-profile artists like Gabby Concepcion, Bong Revilla Jr., Lorna Tolentino, Tonton Gutierrez, Alfred Vargas, Christopher De Leon, and Mark Herras.
She also hosted the showbiz talk show Star Talk with Boy Abunda and Kris Aquino.
Solis had a health scare during the first week of January 2023. In an Instagram post on Jan. 4, she said she felt that she had a mild stroke after her dialysis session, which she started in August 2022.
"Biglang after my dialysis session, nanigas ang right side ng body ko, at nag-slur ako sa pagsasalita," she said. "Talagang passed out ang utak ko that moment. Ewan ko kung ano ang nangyari. Pero salamat kay God na after 5 minutes yata balik na sa normal ang lahat."
At the time, she described the first week of the new year as "morbid."
"Pero siyempre dahil nadaragdagan ang edad, dagdag hina narin ng katawan," she added.
In succeeding posts, she would share her glimpses of her medical journey, including her "star-studded" dialysis sessions. On Dec. 21, 2022, she was visited by showbiz friends, including her talent Tonton Gutierrez, Glydel Mercado, Michelle and Ysabel Ortega, and Malou Choa Fagar.
Last April 1, Solis expressed exhaustion over doing four-hour dialysis sessions twice a week. She also intimated about the idea of already going.
"Saka para na rin sa edad na 78, payag na akong magpahinga," she said. "Life was so good to me na pati pagkakasakit ko wala akong pain na nararamdaman."
Having "no regrets" in life, Solis wished for a "peaceful exit."
On June 26, Solis opened up about having an unspecified sickness that affected her kidney, "out of the blue."
"To be fair, painless at wala naman akong nararamdaman sakit sa katawan," she said, "nanghihina lang ako at kung minsan may mental lapses dahil ang dali kong makalimot."
At the time, she noted that she was taking advantage of using Instagram as often as she could while her brain was still "sharp."
"[A]lam ko na marami ang naghihintay na mga followers ko," she said.
On June 28, Solis opened up about waking up feeling "so weak."
"[H]indi ko na alam kung saan ako dadalhin ng tulog ko. I am very thankful pero admitted ko na medyo pagod na ako," she said, while also expressing openness to the idea of dying.
"So if I will leave now, no regrets," she said.
On July 2, Solis shared a photo of lugaw, saying she was admitted to the hospital.
"Talagang hindi ko akalain at my age dun pa ako makoconfined at magkakasakit. Nagkaruon nga tuloy ako ng anxiety attack dahil hindi ko akalain na at my age mahihiga ako sa hospital bed," she said. "Medyo hindi ako talaga sanay sa hospital scenario kaya culture shock para sa akin ang mga nangyayari."
"I feel like crying pero wala na akong magagawa," she added.
In her final post on July 3, Solis thanked her doctors for taking care of her.
She also professed her faith in God anew and reflected on her newfound wisdom. While "sad" and "weak," she remained hopeful that she'd recover.
"Wishing na sana gumaling ako agad at maging active uli," Solis said. "I love life. I love my works. I love my friends. I live life like everybody else." (with additional reporting from Nick Garcia)
